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Yes, there is much hype surrounding artificial intelligence. While much of that hype is unfounded, there are still excellent uses for AI in SMBs. Let’s look at how to identify use cases that can significantly improve business operations.

Use Case Identification

While there are many flavors of AI, the latest wave of excitement focuses on a subset called Generative AI—this will be the article’s focus. Generative AI technologies are best used when text, audio, or visual content needs to be created or understood. Within your business, identify human processes that are low-value uses of time and are at least semi-prescriptive (the more prescriptive, the better).

For example, many SMBs rely on inbound calls or intake forms to collect relevant information from prospective customers. These conversations are typically prescriptive and often hold less value compared to other tasks. A generative AI model could handle these requests by collecting relevant information and entering it into a CRM. This is a simple, albeit powerful, example.

Software Selection

Now that you have identified a use case, the next crucial step is to find the right software. Below is an ever-growing list of AI tools for SMBs and searchers focused on solving high-value use cases. It’s important to do your due diligence on your software before purchase. Appearing on the list below does not endorse any company or product.

SMB Tech AI Tools

Table
Tool
User
URL
Industry Focus
Description
Broker
Owner
Searcher
None
Airkey lets you generate industry-leading CIMs in minutes, so you can focus on what you do best
Owner
Dental
The AI Receptionist for Dentists
Owner
HVAC
Plumbing
Electric
The AI Platform for HVAC, Plumbing and Electrical Businesses
Owner
HVAC
Plumbing
Electric
Pet Services
Backland Labs offers a text-based contact center that dynamically engages leads, automatically books service calls, upsells service, among other features. Author is affiliated with this company.
Owner
HVAC
Bluon’s AI offering - Master Mechanic gives practical and easy to understand answers for techs. Like having a mentor with 50 years field experience in your pocket.
Searcher
None
Cohesive is a data enrichment tool that enables AI enrichment, contact validation, and web scraping from within Google Sheets. Initially built for the searcher community.
Owner
Property Management
EliseAI Assistant & EliseCRM make it easy to communicate with prospects & residents, schedule tours, market your properties, & manage operations.
Broker
Searcher
None
Use Inven to find companies more efficiently. Transform your manual desktop research with AI and spend your time doing what matters most.
Owner
None
Develop, manage and deploy your company strategy with the AI operating system for business
Broker
Searcher
None
AI-enabled investment bank that helps businesses find and acquire small businesses
Owner
HVAC
Plumbing
Electric
Simplified materials management for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing contractors through streamlined purchasing.
Owner
None
Virtual ridealongs give you recordings, transcriptions, summaries, and analytics from every sales visit. Review them, make comments, create highlights, and more.
Owner
None
Sameday's Artificial Intelligence will answer the phone and book appointments — just like your best sales person.
Owner
HVAC
Plumbing
Electric
AI voice assistant works for you 24/7. It sounds like a human and books jobs, reschedules appointments, and answers questions.

This article was originally published on The SMB Center.

Max Krueger

Max Krueger is a technical leader in AI and software, dedicated to empowering SMBs with innovative solutions.

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